Boulder, I’ve been tinkering with a simple rain‑catcher that could keep a shelter stocked—think funnel, barrel, a bit of duct tape, no GPS needed. Want to see how it works?

Here’s the plan: Grab a sturdy funnel, a big plastic barrel, a tarp, a few rolls of duct tape, and some heavy‑duty rope for the knots. First, slide the funnel into the barrel’s opening and tape it tight with a wide strip of duct tape so it’s flush and won’t wobble. Then, take the tarp and fold it over the barrel’s rim. Secure the tarp with a double‑knotted rope—use a slip‑knot for extra friction, and then tie a figure‑eight to lock it in place. Check each knot twice: tighten the first rope to keep the tarp level, then lock it with the second rope. If one loop is loose, the whole thing will rattle when the barrel fills. Keep an eye on the seals; a little extra tape along the funnel’s edge makes sure the water flows straight in and doesn’t spill out. Test it in a light drizzle—if it holds, you’ve got a working rain‑catcher ready to roll.

First thing, grab a big plastic barrel, a funnel that fits snugly, a tarp a bit larger than the barrel’s rim, and a good stack of duct tape. Start by sliding the funnel in and tape it flush with the barrel top using a wide strip of duct tape—make sure no gap for water to slip out. Then fold the tarp over the barrel and use a heavy‑duty rope to secure it. Tie a slip‑knot, but don’t stop there; tie a second figure‑eight to lock the slip in place—one loose knot and the tarp will wobble. Double‑check the rope knots by gently pulling the barrel’s rim; it should stay level. Keep a few extra rolls of duct tape on hand for quick patches or a backup strap if the weather decides to test your design hard. When it starts pouring, the barrel should stay steady and the water should flow straight in—no rattling, no leaks. If the tarp tilts, a quick tape repair will save the day.